82R11621 MMS-D
By: Giddings H.R. No. 632
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The celebration of Black History Month in February
2011 provides an opportunity to recognize the rich cultural
heritage of African Americans and the significant contributions
they have made and are making to the Lone Star State and the world at
large; and
WHEREAS, A weeklong observance focusing on black history was
established in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an author and scholar
and the son of former slaves, who sought a means of educating
non-black Americans about African American culture and of
engendering pride among black Americans; the tribute was expanded
to a month in 1976 and was officially recognized by President Gerald
Ford, who encouraged all Americans to celebrate "Black History
Month and the message of courage and perseverance it brings to all
of us"; and
WHEREAS, African Americans have constituted a significant
part of the population of Texas for hundreds of years; in the 19th
century, before emancipation, they played an enormous role in
producing this state's agricultural bounty and also worked as
skilled artisans; after the Civil War, many moved to urban centers,
and in the years that followed, they provided manpower for new
industries that were being established; and
WHEREAS, African American infantry and cavalry garrisoned
forts in West Texas during the Indian Wars; known as "Buffalo
Soldiers," they patrolled the frontier with the assistance of black
Seminole Indian scouts, built roads, and escorted mail carriers;
Sergeant Emmanuel Stance, stationed at Fort McKavett, was the first
African American who fought in the Indian Wars to be awarded the
Medal of Honor; and
WHEREAS, Since the early 1800s, African Americans have been
involved in the cattle industry; one of the most famous black Texan
cowboys was William Pickett, who became a Wild West rodeo performer
and who is believed to have originated the bulldogging event; and
WHEREAS, In the mid-20th century, African Americans in Texas
substantially furthered the civil rights movement by filing and
winning lawsuits that outlawed the white primary and that helped to
integrate graduate and professional schools; today, influential
African American leaders continue to follow in the footsteps of
their predecessors, taking their rightful place in the public arena
and promoting social justice; and
WHEREAS, The contributions of African Americans in the nation
at large not only have impacted every facet of life in this country
but have had an influence around the globe; among their most notable
but perhaps least-known achievements have been advances in science
and technology; the long list of those who have distinguished
themselves in these fields includes Alexander Miles, who developed
the automated elevator door, Garrett Morgan, who invented the gas
mask and the traffic signal, Frederick Jones, who developed
refrigerated trucks and railroad cars, Dr. Charles Drew, who
developed a technique for preserving plasma and who established
blood banks across Europe and the Pacific during World War II,
saving the lives of countless American soldiers and sailors, Dr.
Patricia E. Bath, who developed a method of eye surgery that has
helped many blind people to see, and Dr. Philip Emeagwali, who in
1989 invented the world's fastest computer; and
WHEREAS, The celebration of Black History Month highlights
the myriad ways in which African Americans have helped to shape this
state and nation over the course of four centuries and acknowledges
the immeasurable benefits of living in a truly diverse society;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 2011 as Black History Month
and encourage all citizens to learn more about the history and
accomplishments of African Americans.